WINONA, Minn. — The operator of Winona’s lone overnight homeless shelter, Catholic Charities, is in a race against the calendar. With winter a few weeks away, Catholic Charites no longer has a warming center with beds and showers. Last spring the Edge Church, downtown at 69 East Third Street, withdrew its basement space that had been a warming center. Pastor Chuck Peterson said his growing congregation needs the space. Catholic Charities still operates a day-only warming center at its offices a few blocks away at 111 Market Street, but it isn’t suited for overnight accommodations. So far, said Catholic Charities local director John Meyers, a replacement facility hasn’t been identified. The place needs to be zoned for transient day and night occupancy from November to March. Also essential:
> Uncramped sleeping space.
> Restrooms, showers, on-site laundry.
> A nearby bus stop.
At Christmas. Catholic Charities opened sheoter in2016.. Originally 10 beds. Later expanded to 20. Typical occucupancy: 8 to 10. Two showers. Three bathrooms. Check-in from 9 p.m. Doors locked at 10. Four night-managers rotate through shifts. Also two nightly volunteers. Image: Kristen Carrie